MIDC finds 'lost' file after 11 yrs

Unconfirmed reports say Annexure II, a document crucial in shedding light on MIDC's controversy-hit slum redevelopment project by Ackruti builders, has been found

After MiD DAY's extensive coverage on MIDC slum redevelopment project, marred by alleged misrepresentation by builder firm Ackruti, documents that activists say may shed light on the matter have been located, sources said.

Following this paper's report ('Builder's kin turn paupers for FSI', November 2) on how the promoter of construction firm Ackruti (now Hubtown) allegedly passed off 92 of his kin as slum dwellers so they could be beneficiaries of a redevelopment scheme, MIDC sources claim the documents relating to the matter, reported missing for 11 years, have been found.

R V Sonje, the chief engineer, said, "There are certain documents that we have received and we have submitted them to our superiors. Since they are extensive, we will take some time to go through them and prepare a report."

In the year 1999, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) had lost track of a crucial document, called Annexure II, relating to the MIDC slum rehabilitation scheme carried out by Ackruti ('MIDC land scam deepens with missing documents', November 4). Now, sources in the MIDC office say officials have found the documents.

Strong caseActivist Amit Maru, whose RTI application unearthed the alleged irregularities, said, "This should help MIDC take the case to a logical end. The names of the builder's family were in Annexure II, showing them to be slum dwellers. If the document is accessible now, MIDC should find out what paperwork was given by the builder's kin to prove their eligibility for flat allotment. The MIDC should check the documents and take appropriate action."

Until last month, MIDC was oblivious as to the whereabouts of the Annexure II on the basis of which nearly 3,960 slum dwellers were declared eligible for flat allotment in the slum redevelopment scheme in Andheri (East).

The document is a compulsory component of the paperwork to be produced for verifying the validity of a slum dweller's claims that they are entitled to a flat allotment in a redevelopment project. It includes papers proving that the person has been residing in the slum before 1995.

However, after MiD DAY's articles, MIDC CEO K Shivaji asked for a report on the whereabouts of the Annexure II. A senior MIDC officer said, "After the officers were asked to explain where Annexure II is, a search was carried out and we finally found the documents. However, nothing can be confirmed yet because the report is still being prepared."